Trump and Putin Set to Discuss Ukraine Conflict in Saudi Arabia

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U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are scheduled to meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to negotiate an end to the ongoing Ukraine war, according to an announcement made after Trump's recent phone conversation with Putin. This meeting highlights Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's rising international influence, as he has re-established relations with both the U.S. and Russia despite being previously ostracized following the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018.

The meeting in Saudi Arabia represents a neutral grounding, allowing both leaders to avoid taking sides in the conflict. The Crown Prince, who has avoided making a definitive stance in the Ukraine war, previously facilitated a prisoner exchange involving over 200 Ukrainian captives in 2022, demonstrating Saudi Arabia's growing role as a mediator.

While Trump and bin Salman have expressed interest in normalizing relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, they face challenges, especially concerning Trump's controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians in Gaza. Nevertheless, the meeting's agenda may extend beyond Ukraine, potentially addressing broader stability in the Middle East.

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